How to Take the Lock Washer off a Lawnmower Wheel

You need to remove the wheel to service the blade on a push mower.

Lawnmower manufacturers use screw-on nuts, lock washers and retaining pins to secure mower wheels. Occasionally, it becomes necessary to remove a wheel, perhaps to change it or in the case of a reel mower, to sharpen the blades. If the wheel is held by a lock washer, you won't have much trouble removing it unless the mower is rusted and corrosion is locking it to the axle. In that case, it may take a little lubricant and some pounding. You may have to remove a hubcap to get to the washer.

1

Jack up the lawnmower on a car jack to get the wheel off the ground, if you're servicing a riding mower.

2

Disconnect the spark plug or if the mower is electric, unplug it.

3

Pry the plastic hub cap off, if there is one, using a flathead screwdriver. Depending on the style, it may be easier to grip the cap with adjustable pliers and pull it off.

4

Work the tip of a flathead screwdriver into the notch between the lock washer -- which is actually a C-clip -- and the axle. Rotate the screwdriver to pry the clip off.

5

Spray lubricant on the washer if it's corroded. Wait five minutes, then try again to pry it off. If that doesn't work, tap the screwdriver with a hammer. The combination of tapping and lubricating should loosen it, although it may take one or two more applications of lubricant.

6

Remove any other washers that are between the lock washer and the wheel and put them in a safe place, then slide off the wheel.

Things You Will Need

Car jack

Flathead screwdriver

Sprat lubricant

Hammer

Tip

If your lawnmower has been through a hot summer and cold winter, the plastic cover may be stuck to the wheel and you may have to break it off. If so, you can get a replacement from the manufacturer, but since it's primarily decorative, you can also simply leave it off.

About the Author

A love of fundamental mysteries led Chris Deziel to obtain a bachelor's degree in physics and a master's degree in humanities. A prolific carpenter, home renovator and furniture restorer, Deziel has been active in the building and home design trades since 1975. As a landscape builder, he helped establish two gardening companies.